Canada orders TikTok to shut down over national risk concerns

The Canadian government has ordered the dissolution of TikTok Technology Canada following a multi-step review that provided information and evidence of the social media company posing a national risk.

The decision also considered advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community as well as other government partners. It does not ban Canadian users’ access to the TikTok platform or block their ability to create and publish content on the platform.

“As a result of a multi-step national security review process, which involves rigorous scrutiny by Canada’s national security and intelligence community, the Government of Canada has ordered the wind up of the Canadian business carried on by TikTok Technology Canada, Inc,” reads the announcement.

“The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada, Inc.”

It is unclear what security risks ByteDance poses to the country as the Canadian government has not provided any details.

However, TikTok has been in the site of multiple countries, the U.S. being the most vocal, because of concerns over potential user data collection that the Chinese government could use for influence operations in the interest of the Chinese Communist Party.

BleepingComputer contacted the Canadian government requesting more information, and a spokesperson provided the following statement:

The confidentiality provisions of the Investment Canada Act prohibit the Government from commenting further on the case

The announcement notes that Canada continues to welcome foreign investment but will take action when its national security is threatened.

TikTok released a short statement to express its opposition to the decision, saying that it will mount a legal fight to overturn the order.

Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone’s best interest, and today’s shutdown order will do just that. We will challenge this order in court. The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.

Canadians free to use TikTok

Canada’s announcement reassures the public that they can continue using TikTok if they want to, as shutting down the platform’s offices in the country does not impact them.

“The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content,” stated François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

“The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice.”

Nevertheless, the announcement points to the user data safety guide from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which proposes that users consider the following:

• Review an app’s terms and privacy policy to determine if it’s trustworthy and safe to use.
• Ensure the app offers solid privacy options, visibility controls, and strong authentication.
• Limit app permissions like precise location and camera access, and be cautious about what information you share.
• Determine where the app stores user data and understand what privacy laws apply in those countries.